Towanda: Past & Present

Towanda, established in 1784, is the county seat of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, located on the Susquehanna River. Its name comes from a Native American term meaning "where we bury our dead." The town has a rich history marked by various economic phases, beginning with coal mining in the early 1800s, followed by timber and logging in the 1890s, and later the rise of rail transport. Most recently, the exploration of natural gas through hydraulic fracturing has significantly impacted its economy.

Since 2007, Towanda has been at the center of natural gas drilling activity due to its location on the Marcellus Shale formation. This influx of gas workers temporarily boosted the local economy, but by 2011, many gas companies shifted operations elsewhere, leading Towanda to revert to its previous economic state.

Despite the fluctuations, Towanda retains its small-town character, with a population of around three thousand. The community values a rural lifestyle, work ethic, and strong social ties shaped by generations of hunting, fishing, and farming. Local business owners, like Mike Holt of the Red Rose Diner, have observed the significant changes brought by the gas boom and the contrasting cultures of the transient workers. Nevertheless, Towanda's residents continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.